Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Mining activities are a significant contributor to environmental degradation in many regions of Nigeria, with the extraction of minerals such as gold, tin, and limestone being prominent in rural and semi-urban areas (Oladipo et al., 2023). Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State has witnessed increased mining activities due to its rich mineral deposits, leading to growing concerns about their environmental impact (Yusuf & Tukur, 2024). Mining processes, including the use of chemicals like cyanide and mercury, often result in the contamination of water sources, affecting water quality and threatening public health (Ibrahim & Nuhu, 2023). This contamination can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals and toxic substances in water bodies, which may enter the food chain and impact local communities (Adamu et al., 2025). Given the vital role of water resources for agriculture, drinking, and sanitation in Shiroro, it is crucial to understand how mining activities affect water quality and to develop strategies for mitigating these effects. This study investigates the direct and indirect impacts of mining activities on the water quality in Shiroro, considering factors such as changes in water chemistry, the presence of pollutants, and the implications for local populations.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Water contamination in Shiroro, caused by mining operations, has raised significant public health concerns. The heavy metal content in the water and its potential to affect agricultural productivity and human health remain under-researched. Without a comprehensive investigation into the impact of mining on water quality, efforts to protect local water resources and safeguard public health may be ineffective. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the extent of mining-related water pollution and its potential consequences for Shiroro’s residents.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
• To investigate the impact of mining activities on the water quality in Shiroro Local Government Area.
• To assess the types and levels of pollutants present in water bodies affected by mining operations.
• To examine the effects of mining-related water contamination on local agriculture and public health.
1.4 Research Questions
• How do mining activities affect the quality of water in Shiroro Local Government Area?
• What types of pollutants are found in water bodies affected by mining in Shiroro?
• What are the impacts of water contamination on local agriculture and public health in Shiroro?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
• H1: Mining activities significantly contribute to the deterioration of water quality in Shiroro Local Government Area.
• H2: There is a significant relationship between mining activities and the presence of heavy metals in water sources in Shiroro.
• H3: Contaminated water sources due to mining activities negatively affect agricultural productivity and public health in Shiroro.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is significant because it will provide important insights into the environmental consequences of mining activities in Shiroro Local Government Area, particularly regarding water quality (Ibrahim & Nuhu, 2023). The findings will inform local authorities and stakeholders about the severity of water contamination, helping them to design more effective water management and pollution control strategies. Additionally, the research will contribute to the broader knowledge of how mining affects the environment and public health, offering policy recommendations that could be applied in other regions facing similar challenges.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is focused on Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State and investigates the impact of mining activities on water quality within this specific region. The research is limited to assessing water bodies directly affected by mining operations and does not include an evaluation of mining practices or broader environmental impacts such as air quality. Data will be gathered from local water sources, mining sites, and agricultural communities in the area.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
• Mining Activities: The extraction of mineral resources such as gold, limestone, and tin from the earth, often involving processes that may affect the environment.
• Water Quality: The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, including the presence of pollutants and toxins that affect its usability and safety.
• Heavy Metals: Toxic metallic elements such as mercury, lead, and arsenic that can accumulate in water and soil, posing health risks to humans and animals.
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Mining activities are a significant contributor to environmental degradation in many regions of Nigeria, with the extraction of minerals such as gold, tin, and limestone being prominent in rural and semi-urban areas (Oladipo et al., 2023). Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State has witnessed increased mining activities due to its rich mineral deposits, leading to growing concerns about their environmental impact (Yusuf & Tukur, 2024). Mining processes, including the use of chemicals like cyanide and mercury, often result in the contamination of water sources, affecting water quality and threatening public health (Ibrahim & Nuhu, 2023). This contamination can lead to the accumulation of heavy metals and toxic substances in water bodies, which may enter the food chain and impact local communities (Adamu et al., 2025). Given the vital role of water resources for agriculture, drinking, and sanitation in Shiroro, it is crucial to understand how mining activities affect water quality and to develop strategies for mitigating these effects. This study investigates the direct and indirect impacts of mining activities on the water quality in Shiroro, considering factors such as changes in water chemistry, the presence of pollutants, and the implications for local populations.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Water contamination in Shiroro, caused by mining operations, has raised significant public health concerns. The heavy metal content in the water and its potential to affect agricultural productivity and human health remain under-researched. Without a comprehensive investigation into the impact of mining on water quality, efforts to protect local water resources and safeguard public health may be ineffective. This study seeks to bridge this gap by investigating the extent of mining-related water pollution and its potential consequences for Shiroro’s residents.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
• To investigate the impact of mining activities on the water quality in Shiroro Local Government Area.
• To assess the types and levels of pollutants present in water bodies affected by mining operations.
• To examine the effects of mining-related water contamination on local agriculture and public health.
1.4 Research Questions
• How do mining activities affect the quality of water in Shiroro Local Government Area?
• What types of pollutants are found in water bodies affected by mining in Shiroro?
• What are the impacts of water contamination on local agriculture and public health in Shiroro?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
• H1: Mining activities significantly contribute to the deterioration of water quality in Shiroro Local Government Area.
• H2: There is a significant relationship between mining activities and the presence of heavy metals in water sources in Shiroro.
• H3: Contaminated water sources due to mining activities negatively affect agricultural productivity and public health in Shiroro.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is significant because it will provide important insights into the environmental consequences of mining activities in Shiroro Local Government Area, particularly regarding water quality (Ibrahim & Nuhu, 2023). The findings will inform local authorities and stakeholders about the severity of water contamination, helping them to design more effective water management and pollution control strategies. Additionally, the research will contribute to the broader knowledge of how mining affects the environment and public health, offering policy recommendations that could be applied in other regions facing similar challenges.
1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is focused on Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State and investigates the impact of mining activities on water quality within this specific region. The research is limited to assessing water bodies directly affected by mining operations and does not include an evaluation of mining practices or broader environmental impacts such as air quality. Data will be gathered from local water sources, mining sites, and agricultural communities in the area.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
• Mining Activities: The extraction of mineral resources such as gold, limestone, and tin from the earth, often involving processes that may affect the environment.
• Water Quality: The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, including the presence of pollutants and toxins that affect its usability and safety.
• Heavy Metals: Toxic metallic elements such as mercury, lead, and arsenic that can accumulate in water and soil, posing health risks to humans and animals.
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